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Objecting to
Development
Applications in NSW

Click To Call1300 667 461 Click Here: Get A FreeConsultation Now

Objecting to
Development
Applications in NSW

Call 1300 667 461 Available 24/7 Click Here: Get A FreeConsultation Now

Objecting to
Development
Applications in NSW

Call 1300 667 461 Available 24/7 Click Here: Get A FreeConsultation Now

Are you worried about your neighbour’s building plans?

Do you feel overwhelmed by NSW property development processes?

Are you uncertain about what to do next?

Dominic Nguyen

We can help

We’re property development lawyers in NSW, helping residential and commercial property owners protect their legal, personal and commercial interests. We prepare development application objection letters at fixed, competitive rates.

Thorough document review

Skilled legal analysis

Professional letter preparation

First-rate communication

Client Testimonials and Reviews

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hai thai

Unified Lawyers offered a great professional, efficient service. All the paperwork for our house purchase was taken care of with ease. I highly recommend them for your conveyancing needs.
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Wa Tun

We recently bought a new house and we really appreciated the efforts put in by Vincey and the team from Unified Lawyers ! Vincey went over and above in helping us through the whole process of buying a house making it very easy and convenient for us. We trust her in knowledge, compassion and accessibility which helped us through the process very time efficient and worry-free. Me and my partner can’t recommend Unified Lawyers enough for Conveyancing !!!
Susan May

These are fantastic lawyers. They managed the conveyancing of my aunt’s house in Sydney, while I’m in Perth. They made everything easy and responded within the hour to any queries. Do not hesitate to use them. They offer 5 star service!
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Peter Hanna

Purchasing a home is a stressful experience in its own right. However, having Dominic Nguyen from Unified lawyers handling the conveyancing for my property was the best decision i could make as a buyer. The legal advice was clear, concise and to the point, with Dominic keeping me informed throughout the entire process. Thanks Dominic for making it simple and stress free!
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Amanda Todd

We recently engaged Unified Lawyers to do some conveyancing work for us. We were extremely satisfied by the quality of service provided by Ernest Tung. His diligence, attention to detail and responsiveness were outstanding.
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Vikas Sharma

The conveyancing team at Unified (Deama Merhi and Stephen Ooi) worked hard and made sure my home buying experience was smooth, stress-free and transparent. Deama is a highly competent and helpful legal professional. She truly cares about what you need and goes above and beyond to make sure the client receives all the information required to make the right decision. I would not hesitate to recommend Deama to anyone looking for a reliable, professional and honest service. You would be lucky to have her as your conveyancer.
Stephanie Kay

Deama from Unified just completed the conveyancing on my first home purchase! Unified were amazing to deal with – prompt, professional and responsive – Deama took the time to listen to my questions, explain the process and give me pragmatic advice. I would recommend Unified to anyone looking for legal services!
Jane Au

I was looking for conveyancing services and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it has been made for me from start to end. Dominic has been accommodating and patient throughout my first property purchase not to mention the amazing resilience to my stupid questions time and time again. I could not have asked for better service.
T Ho

A huge thank you to Amira and the team for helping take the stress and complexities out of the conveyancing process, allowing for a smooth and efficient settlement. Would’ve been lost without your assistance in the matter.
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Dianne Hill

My family and I have been going to Unified Lawyers for different legal services for years now and we have always had a lovely experience with everyone there. They have conducted many conveyancing matters for us, assisted with business disputes and recently assisted with a family law matter. Their family lawyers in particular are very patient and understanding. I will never hesitate to recommend Unified lawyers to any family or colleagues that require legal assistance.
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Ed

Engaged Unified for their conveyancing services. Amira did an exceptional job handling our complex property. Organised, efficient and very quick to respond. I highly recommend!
Michael McHugh

Dominic and his team acted on a residential sale for us. It was not without its hiccups which was why I wanted a real solicitor acting and not a ‘conveyancing service’.
As a client I was impressed with their service, focus on the outcome and competitive rates and as a lawyer, with their legal and negotiating expertise.
I can highly recommend them.

Read 400+ more reviews from Happy Clients >>

Expert Property Lawyers who really care

Are your neighbour’s property development plans threatening to disrupt your enjoyment of your home? Compromise your privacy? Or damage your property?

If you’re concerned about a development application in NSW, understanding where to get help can make a big difference to the outcome. Engaging a top property and development lawyer is one of the smartest decisions you’ll make. Our legal team are experts in preparing comprehensive submissions to oppose development applications.

Our success stories

We’ve helped many professionals with document and land registration services in NSW.
Here are a few examples:

Objection to a childcare centre

Our client, a residential property owner, contacted us to object to a development application for a childcare centre. The proposal was to demolish an existing building and construct a new two-storey structure with car parking, signage and other construction works. Our client was concerned that the development:

Would cause a decrease in property value
Was incompatible with the residential area
Would create issues with privacy, noise, and traffic congestion

We reviewed the application and considered the issues. Then, we prepared a ten-page objection letter outlining concerns including zoning, site suitability, noise, location, outdoor areas, design, plant and landscaping and property value. We submitted the objection before the closing date. After considering the issues, the council refused development approval for the proposed childcare centre.

Objection to a childcare centre

Our client, a residential property owner, contacted us to object to a development application for a childcare centre. The proposal was to demolish an existing building and construct a new two-storey structure with car parking, signage and other construction works. Our client was concerned that the development:

Would cause a decrease in property value
Was incompatible with the residential area
Would create issues with privacy, noise, and traffic congestion

We reviewed the application and considered the issues. Then, we prepared a ten-page objection letter outlining concerns including zoning, site suitability, noise, location, outdoor areas, design, plant and landscaping and property value. We submitted the objection before the closing date. After considering the issues, the council refused development approval for the proposed childcare centre.

Objection to a childcare centre

Our client, a residential property owner, contacted us to object to a development application for a childcare centre. The proposal was to demolish an existing building and construct a new two-storey structure with car parking, signage and other construction works. Our client was concerned that the development:

Would cause a decrease in property value
Was incompatible with the residential area
Would create issues with privacy, noise, and traffic congestion

We reviewed the application and considered the issues. Then, we prepared a ten-page objection letter outlining concerns including zoning, site suitability, noise, location, outdoor areas, design, plant and landscaping and property value. We submitted the objection before the closing date. After considering the issues, the council refused development approval for the proposed childcare centre.

Objection to a 13-room boarding house

Our client, a homeowner, was notified of a development application for the neighbouring property. The proposed development included:

Demolition of the existing house
Construction of a 13-room boarding house
Construction of a manager’s house
Construction of a communal room

Our client was concerned that the new development would be much bigger than the existing home and would create privacy and parking issues. We reviewed the development application as well as the Local Environmental Plan and other plans. We prepared a nine-page objection letter outlining concerns about the impact on heritage conservation areas, boundary setbacks, building height, solar access, privacy, and parking. We submitted the letter before the closing date. After considering the issues, the council refused the development application.

Objection to a 13-room boarding house

Our client, a homeowner, was notified of a development application for the neighbouring property. The proposed development included:

Demolition of the existing house
Construction of a 13-room boarding house
Construction of a manager’s house
Construction of a communal room

Our client was concerned that the new development would be much bigger than the existing home and would create privacy and parking issues. We reviewed the development application as well as the Local Environmental Plan and other plans. We prepared a nine-page objection letter outlining concerns about the impact on heritage conservation areas, boundary setbacks, building height, solar access, privacy, and parking. We submitted the letter before the closing date. After considering the issues, the council refused the development application.

Objection to a 13-room boarding house

Our client, a homeowner, was notified of a development application for the neighbouring property. The proposed development included:

Demolition of the existing house
Construction of a 13-room boarding house
Construction of a manager’s house
Construction of a communal room

Our client was concerned that the new development would be much bigger than the existing home and would create privacy and parking issues. We reviewed the development application as well as the Local Environmental Plan and other plans. We prepared a nine-page objection letter outlining concerns about the impact on heritage conservation areas, boundary setbacks, building height, solar access, privacy, and parking. We submitted the letter before the closing date. After considering the issues, the council refused the development application.

Objection to the renovation of an existing house

Our client, a homeowner, was notified of a development application for the neighbouring property. The proposed development included:

Zoning
Heritage
Building height
Unsympathetic design
Over-development
Traffic
Solar access
Privacy
Noise
Inappropriate roof design
Property value

We submitted the letter before the closing date, and the council considered the issues. It decided that the application would be approved only with significant alterations and conditions.

Objection to the renovation of an existing house

Our client, a homeowner, was notified of a development application for the neighbouring property. The proposed development included:

Zoning
Heritage
Building height
Unsympathetic design
Over-development
Traffic
Solar access
Privacy
Noise
Inappropriate roof design
Property value

We submitted the letter before the closing date, and the council considered the issues. It decided that the application would be approved only with significant alterations and conditions.

Objection to the renovation of an existing house

Our client, a homeowner, was notified of a development application for the neighbouring property. The proposed development included:

Zoning
Heritage
Building height
Unsympathetic design
Over-development
Traffic
Solar access
Privacy
Noise
Inappropriate roof design
Property value

We submitted the letter before the closing date, and the council considered the issues. It decided that the application would be approved only with significant alterations and conditions.

Pricing

We understand that opposing a development application in NSW is an expense which you’d rather avoid. The prospect of unknown legal fees may also cause you significant stress and uncertainty. So we offer a fixed price for preparing and submitting an objection letter.

Even better, we won’t invoice you for expenses including phone calls, faxes, postage and photocopying. Why? Because they’re our costs, not yours.

Fixed price objection letter

Reviewing the documents and relevant council instruments
Requesting any outstanding documents
Seeking your instructions
Liaising with town planners
Considering any non-compliances
Drafting detailed submissions for your objection letter
Submitting the objection letter on your behalf
Reporting to you

Contact Us To Learn More

Frequently asked questions about
objecting to development applications in NSW

What is a development application?
A development application is a formal request to a local council or a government body for permission to carry out a development.

Under NSW laws, a development can include:

• Subdivision of land
• Building a new house or other significant structure
• Works including laying pipes for plumbing or pruning a significant tree
• Demolition of a building

You must have a development application for any development works unless they fall into the special categories of exempt or complying. Permitted developments change from area to area throughout NSW, depending on zoning laws and other environmental laws and regulations.

Sometimes, working out whether a development requires approval is complex. We can help you with this process. Contact us today to learn more about the different types of development.
What's needed for development approval?
Approval from a local council or government authority is usually needed for proposed developments (unless they're considered exempt or complying). It's an essential part of the town and city planning process because the aim is to preserve the area to ensure:

• There's good design
• The people living there can enjoy their lifestyles
• Any environmental impact is kept to a minimum

The person or company planning the development must lodge a development application with the appropriate authority. Once this happens, it becomes a public matter. You will be notified of the application if the proposed development adjoins your property.

During this process, you have the opportunity to object to the development.

In reaching its decision, the authority will consider:

• The development application
• Any objections
• Relevant laws and regulations

It will then write to the developer to advise whether the application is approved, rejected or whether changes need to be made before approval is granted.
If a development application is lodged, is it too late to oppose?
No. When a development application is lodged, you will be notified of the proposed development if your property adjoins the proposed development site. Notification is usually by a letter from your local council. You may be notified by a sign on the proposed development site or a notice in your local newspaper.

The notification will tell you how to object to the development and give you a deadline. It's crucial that you meet this deadline because the council (or other authority) may not accept your objections after this date. If you wish to seek legal advice, you need to allow your lawyer enough time to investigate and prepare an objection letter before the deadline.

You can also ask for more time to respond by sending a letter or email to the council (or other authority). If they give you an extension, make sure they advise you in writing (by letter or email).
How do you oppose a development application?
The development application notification letter you received from the council (or other authority) will tell you where and how you can view the plans. You can ask an officer to explain the plans to you. Ask plenty of questions to make sure you understand the proposed development and how it will impact your property.

If you're concerned about the application, you can send an objection letter to the council or other authority.

The objection letter must:

1. Be in writing
2. Be sent to the appropriate council or authority
3. Identify you and the address of your property.
4. Be sent within the timeframe set out in the notification (usually 14 days)

However, writing an objection letter can be a difficult task. You may worry that you don't know how to write it and you may feel stressed at trying to make sense of all the plans and reports.

Our development application lawyers have significant experience in preparing objection letters. They can act immediately to help you. The most crucial thing is that you contact us as soon as possible.
Can I object to my neighbour's development application?
You can object to your neighbour's development application by submitting an objection letter or by lodging a submission to the relevant council. To do so properly, you will need to clearly outline how your neighbour's development application does not comply with all the relevant standards or guidelines.

Council generally provides you with a notification period of 14 days to lodge written submissions outlining your objections. If you do not lodge your written submissions within this period, there may be a risk that Council will not consider your concerns and objections.
How can Unified Lawyers help me oppose a development application?
Once you let us know about a development application notification, we can contact the council (or other authority) to ask for more time to review the plans and reports. It will give us time to consider the application, conduct research and draft a detailed objection letter.

Then we'll arrange a meeting with you to discuss your concerns and help you identify the specific reasons for your objections. For example, the development may:

• Block sunlight
• Be unsympathetic to the convenience and comfort of your property
• Create additional noise
• Increase street traffic
• Potentially impact drainage
• Be at odds with heritage considerations
• Affect agricultural interests
• Cause other environmental concerns
• Create other issues relating to the proposed use of the land

We will review all the plans and other documents submitted to the council (or other authority) as part of the development application and any council instruments. If necessary, we'll request any outstanding documents and discuss the planning application with other experts.

We will consider grounds for objection and conduct further research if necessary. Then we'll draft the objection letter, focusing on minimising the impact of the proposed development.

Remember that a council or authority must consider every planning application and every objection. We recommend sending an objection letter if you're concerned about a proposed development, regardless of whether you believe the application will be approved.

Our development application team is led by our co-founder, Dominic Nguyen. He is widely regarded as a leading building and construction lawyer in NSW, with more than 15 years of experience in the legal and construction industries. His impressive knowledge in both areas has been a significant advantage for his clients, with a considerable objection letter success rate.

Dominic and our legal team also understand how to protect your privacy, especially in public online records.

Often, the key to a successful objection is to act as quickly as possible. If you're concerned about a development application in NSW, our lawyers can help. Contact us to learn more.

We’ll tackle the hard stuff

Let us take away the stress of opposing a development application in NSW. Contact us to find out how to take advantage of our fixed fee